Hello, so my 2000 catera will not shift out of 1st gear. It started slowly, maybe once in a month, and then gradually got alittle worse. Now it wont shift out of 1st at all. Check engine light also came on with problem and am getting codes p1700 and p0722. So, since the code pertaining to the sensor came up, I assumed that was the problem. Went to a used caddy parts store, got the sensor and installed it, but the car is still not shifting out of first. What else can I do? Anyone have a similiar problem???

 

P01700 is simply a command from the TCM to the ECM to turn on the "Check Engine" light, meaning there is a code set in the TCM.

P0722 is an output speed sensor code, which could cause a no shift condition. Did you happen to check the connector for the sensor, to see if the terminals, and wiring was in good condition? A used sensor may not be any better than the one you have, either.
Also, did you replace the correct sensor? The output sensor is on the top of the tailhousing, not on the lower side of the tailhousing.
If the connector is good, and the wiring does not appear to be damaged, it will be time to start testing the circuit from the sensor to the TCM....
If you have a multimeter that will read AC volts, connect it across the two terminals on the speed sensor, and turn the rear wheels...you should get a reading. If not, the sensor is no good.

This code SHOULD put the trans in failsafe mode, which is 4th gear, not first....you may have other issues, too.

 

Ok, will try that first thing tomorrow, and I figured the sensor I got used could possibly also be bad. Is there any way to check the sensor NOT connected to the caddy? And the one I replaced was on the top of the tailhousing tilted towards the drivers side. Is this the correct one? Is there more than one speed sensor on the transmission that are identical looking? Im a female and not to good with cars, but have fixed many other problems with this car on my own so bear with me lol

 

Hard to actually test them without having them mounted, and a reluctor wheel to excite them. About the most you can do is check the resistance of the windings with an ohm meter to see if it is shorted, or open.
You are correct...it is the one on the top, pointed towards the driver side.

Sorry to say, but chances are, you will have a wiring problem, as far as the speed sensor code....assuming, of course, that you get a good sensor. I would look very carefully at the connector for the sensor, and make sure the wires have not pushed out of the connector from the backside...I see this all the time, and it's usually just a simple matter of pushing the wire terminal all the way back into the connector. The terminals can get corroded, also, and not make good contact. Look for any green, or white, chalky stuff around/in the connector and terminals....this is evidence of corrosion.
The actual wiring that GM uses isn't the best in the world, either, so the insulation can deteriorate, and cause a pair of bare wires to touch together right at the connector.

hth